Who controls Jerusalem?

Israel has physical control over Jerusalem, the capital city and seat of the government there. read more

Jerusalem remained a divided city, with the holy sites in the eastern part under Jordanian control. The international community continued to regard the city as having a distinct status. In November 30, 1948, Moshe Dayan, Israeli commander, and Abdullah el-Tell, Jordanian commander, drew a map which became the 1949 Armistice Line. read more

The city of Jerusalem is of great significance to the Jewish faith as it holds the Western Wailing Wall, which is the last remaining link to the ancient Temple. Since the end of the Second World War, control of Jerusalem has fluctuated, and the city's borders have been redrawn many times. read more

In 1517, Jerusalem and environs fell to the Ottoman Turks, who generally remained in control until 1917. Jerusalem enjoyed a prosperous period of renewal and peace under Suleiman the Magnificent—including the rebuilding of magnificent walls around the Old City. read more

Until 1967, control of Jerusalem was shared between Israel and Jordan. As a consequence of the Six-Day War, Israel drove Jordan out of eastern Jerusalem and unified the city once again. Although Jerusalem remains under the control of Israel, it is a major point of contention for Palestinians. read more